Maharashtrian weddings

Green bangles, a white cloth between the couple and a new name written in rice with a gold ring.

Before the wedding

1
Gun Milan
The horoscopes are matched point by point. If sixteen points match, the wedding can go ahead.
2
Baithak
Elder relatives from both families meet to decide on the muhurat, the auspicious time.
3
Sakharpuda
The engagement. The groom's parents give the bride a saree, green bangles and a pack of sugar for sweetness.
4
Haldi
Turmeric paste is applied to the bride. The groom's women relatives apply it to him and douse him with water.

5
Antarpath
The bride in her shalu and the groom stand apart, garlands in hand, a plain white cloth marked in kumkum between them.
6
Mangal Ashtak
Auspicious shlokas are chanted, coloured rice is showered and the couple garland each other.
7
Lajja Hom
The couple offer dried rice to the sacred fire. The groom gives the bride her mangalsutra and toe rings, and fills her maang with sindoor.

8
Laxmi Poojan
The couple pray together, and the groom gives his wife a new name, written on rice with a gold ring.

Every family does things a little differently, so treat this as a guide rather than a rule. Your elders will have the last word.

We can bring the priests, the musicians, the mehndi and the sweets, wherever you marry.

Next guide

Marwari weddings